Look Forward, Backward in December — Part II

In the book of Isaiah, God tells Israel to both forget and to remember “the former things.” What God wants us to forget is to get past our past. He’s put a new heart in us. #LookForwardBackwardinDecember #amwriting @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE

I’m learning, or should I say, “re-learning” what a “new heart” is. The Bible speaks of our stony heart, and He wants to give us a “heart of flesh.” What does that mean?

I don’t usually comment on any Facebook post that is political in nature. Jerry Jenkins’ son, Dallas, put up a trailer for his new work “the Chosen.” Someone, who was discouraged commented about it. I replied, with a word of encouragement. And several people “liked” my comment.

The other day, I noticed someone else had replied. Sigh. They’re in a very bitter, horrible place in their emotions. They basically cussed me out, using the “f” word at least twice in their reply. I only looked at it once, then began to pray that God would help them.

My birth mother loved swans and collected them.

Obviously, his wounded heart is becoming stone. It’s all in how we respond to troubles and trials. I was told that 17 years ago during a particularly challenging weekend toward the end of Bible School. Things weren’t adding up. What I was hearing in class about where God wanted to go and what I was hearing from church leadership (at the time) about where the church was going—seemed in opposite directions. I didn’t know what to do with that. I’ve probably talked about this a little bit before on this blog, but I didn’t sleep that night.

It came down to “Lord, have I ever heard from You at all?”

Isaiah 46:9 says, “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is not other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand,’ And I will do all My pleasure..’”

I read that and cried. I felt God was comforting me, telling me, yes…Yes, I’d heard from Him. At that point, I’d been a Christian, born-again, for 31 years. There were things I didn’t understand. There will always be things I don’t understand.

So, I prayed for that person. I don’t know him. I don’t remember his name. He sounds young to me. I’m praying that God will show up in his life. That he’ll get a breakthrough and have his very angry heart healed.

What’s the state of your heart? Leave a comment and let me know. Sometimes remembering is a good thing. Remember the good. Bring to mind the wonderful things God has done for you. #LookForwardBackwardinDecember #amwriting @donnalhsmith @a3writers TWEETABLE

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I'm a Kansas Prairie girl transplanted to the rolling hills of PA Dutch Country since 1982. Happily married since 1987. Published author. Workshop speaker. Bachelor's Degree from ORU Master of Arts Degree from WSU (Wichita State University) Belongs to Ephrata Community Church, Ephrata, PA
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